Purpose

Proposed decision:  Extend the Everyday Life Activities Contract for up to two years from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028.

Reason for the decision

The Every Day Life Activities Contract commenced on 1 October 2022 and will expire on 30 September 2026. The contract has two permitted, two-year extensions available.

This proposed decision seeks to extends the EDLA Contract from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028, using one of the permissible two year extensions to maintain service continuity while the Council prepares for recommissioning of the service.

The contract was designed to provide a more flexible approach to day service provision, providing a range of activities and skill development opportunities within the community. It is primarily used by people with learning disabilities or physical disabilities.There are currently 24 providers on the EDLA contract and 1,089 people with assessed eligible Care Act needs utilising the EDLA contract each week.

The services support people with independent living skills, employment and training opportunities, reduce reliance on higher-cost services and support for family carers.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

The options available at this stage are to extend the contract with or without changes or to end the contract. Each option carries risks that informed the appraisal.

Option

Overall Risk Rating

Strategic Assessment

Option 1

Extend the contract without a structured programme of redesign for when the contract extension ends

?? Medium Risk

Maintains service continuity, financial control and statutory compliance. This option does not seek opportunities to strengthen contract and demand management during the extension. This option does not plan to redesign and recommission day opportunities, which could mean the 2nd permissible two-year extension would be needed. 

Option 2

Extend the contract alongside strengthened contract and demand management, and a programme to redesign and recommission day opportunities

(Recommended)

?? Lowest Risk

Provides the best balance of statutory compliance, financial control and service continuity. This option will put in place strengthened contract and demand management arrangements to improve value for money and outcomes during the contract extension. And redesign and recommission day opportunities.

Option 3 – End Contract

?? High Risk

Creates significant statutory, operational, financial and market risks, including potential service disruption, increased costs and reputational impact for the Council.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

Reforming Kent 2025–2028 sets out the Council’s approach to becoming a financially sustainable, outcome-focused authority that delivers effective support to residents while making best use of limited resources.

This decision supports that ambition by maintaining continuity of essential services for residents, while a redesign and recommissioning of day opportunities is undertaken to better meet changing needs.

Through strengthened contract and demand management, the extension also supports the Council’s financial recovery by improving value for money, ensuring resources are focused on assessed need, and managing cost and demand pressures within the system.

The extension provides a platform for coproduction with residents, carers, and providers to shape a more sustainable and responsive service model for the future, aligned with the Council’s commitment to prevention, independence, and partnership working.

Decision

As Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care I agree to:

a)    EXTEND the Every Day Life Activities contract for up to two years from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028; and

b)     DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of and entering into required contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision.